Landslide win for Lauretti

Lauretti, a Republican first elected in 1991, was returned to office with 77% of the vote over his Democratic challenger, David Gioiello.

“Shelton has become a model in this state,” he said during his victory speech, pointing to low taxes, good public safety and amble open space.

Gioiello attempted to engage Lauretti during the campaign, but the mayor declined to debate his opponent and there was little back-and-forth between any candidates on the municipal ballot.

Lauretti’s win swept Republicans back in control of city boards and commissions, including the Board of Aldermen and Board of Education. The lone Democratic alderman, Jack Finn, won re-election.

Avalon complex opens downtown

The first tenants began moving into the Avalon Shelton apartment complex on Canal Street in March.

The Avalon Shelton rental complex on Canal Street was completed.

The $60-million, 250-unit complex along the Housatonic River has one- and two-bedroom units. It is next to the 103-unit Birmingham condo building, which opened in late 2007.

Avalon officials have said the apartment complex, built on the site of a former asphalt plant, has an 80% occupancy rate.

The Connecticut Economic Resource Center recently presented Avalon Shelton with an award for its economic impact

The project is being heralded as another step forward in downtown revitalization. Work on a new Riverwalk phase has started, a section of Canal Street has been rebuilt, and the blighted Chromium Process Co. plant should be demolished soon.